Literacy and the decision to become an Alta volunteer sometimes hits closest to home when someone has a personal encounter with a non-reader.
This week, attorney Sajina Kadir describes how literacy impacts the non-literate seeking legal protection, and her desire to make a difference.
Kadir attended the Level 2 class at Chaguanas South Secondary venue for eight sessions as an observer and will begin the six-day tutor training course for new volunteers this April/May.
Approximately six years ago, an elderly man told me that he accompanied his son to an attorney’s office to sign “some papers” so that when he dies, his son will become the sole owner of his house. This man could not read or write.
In total reliance on the trust of his son and the familiarity of the chosen attorney whom his son called his friend, this man affixed his thumbprint on a document.
Four weeks after, he was served a letter by said attorney-at-law and the contents were read to him by a relative. The letter stated that he ought to vacate his home, as the property belonged to this son. The document he signed was not a will. It was a deed that transferred legal title to the son. The tears of this man left my heart feeling very heavy that day.
It is good practice to obtain the expressed instructions of clients as to the terms of legal services to be provided. The client will read the instruction sheet prepared by the attorney and affix their signature agreeing to its contents and the attorney will act accordingly. In some cases, the document will be read to the client and the thumbprint of the client will be placed due to their difficulties to read and write their signatures. Every time the latter situation occurs, I feel deeply saddened.
I related my sentiments to my mother, Dr Parvathy Kadir, who told me about Alta and that her colleague was training to be a tutor. At the time, I was under the employ of another attorney and it was not prudent with time constraints to commit to become a tutor. Now I am in private practice and can adjust my schedule to make this commitment.
When I was informed that there would be an observation period prior to the actual training sessions, I was grateful, as I questioned my ability to become a tutor given the adversarial and somewhat aggressive nature of my profession, as opposed to the nurturing qualities of a tutor.
I considered it a personal challenge as it relates to self-development, with the eventual desired outcome to help others serving my motivation to proceed on this endeavour. The students’ genuine eagerness to learn to read and write awakened a natural ability in me to be a tutor, erasing all doubts I had as it relates to my ability to possess the necessary qualities of a tutor. I walked away feeling fulfilled after each session.
It remains a fact that caring teachers took time and patience to help us be where we are today. We can in turn help people and make a positive difference.
Hinduism teaches “Manava Seva Madhava Seva” which means “Service to humanity is service to God.” Regardless of the religion one may belong to, the essence of this message remains.
I anticipate my future as a volunteer tutor with Alta and encourage others to make a difference.
More Info
Become a part of Alta. Volunteer, donate, spread the word. Alta volunteers are unpaid. Call 624-ALTA (2582) or e-mail altapos.tt@gmail.com or find us on Facebook: Alta Trinidad.